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Kerosene oil poisoning--a childhood menace
P Gupta1, R P Singh, M V Murali
1Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences, Shahdara, Delhi.
Insights
Accidental kerosene poisoning in children, primarily aged 1-3 years, often leads to significant symptoms and abnormal chest X-rays. Early medical intervention is crucial as severe cases and complications like myocarditis can be fatal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Accidental kerosene ingestion is a common pediatric poisoning incident.
- Understanding the clinical spectrum and outcomes is vital for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical profile, radiological findings, and outcomes of accidental kerosene poisoning in children.
- To identify risk factors and complications associated with kerosene ingestion.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 70 children with accidental kerosene poisoning over three years.
- Review of clinical data, symptom onset, radiological changes (Chest X-ray), and patient outcomes.
- Correlation of ingested volume and nutritional status with clinical and radiological severity.
Main Results:
- 77% of cases involved children aged 1-3 years; 71.4% developed significant symptoms within 10 hours.
- Common symptoms included breathlessness (55.7%) and fever (47.1%).
- Abnormal chest X-rays were observed in 69.2% of cases, with right basal infiltrates being most common (21.4%). Ingestion of >1 ounce and severe malnutrition were linked to worse outcomes. Myocarditis was a rare complication; mortality was 4.3% within 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Kerosene poisoning in children presents with diverse clinical and radiological manifestations.
- Early recognition and management are critical, especially in cases involving larger ingestions or severe malnutrition.
- The study highlights potential complications, including myocarditis, and emphasizes the importance of prompt medical care.
Abstract:
This study documents 3-year retrospective analysis of accidental kerosene oil poisoning in 70 children with regard to clinical profile, radiological changes and outcome. About 77% of cases were between 1 and 3 years old. Fifty children (71.4%) developed significant symptoms, with onset soon after to within 10 hours of ingestion. These included breathlessness (55.7%), fever (47.1%), cough (31.4%), restlessness (25.7%) and abdominal distension (15.7%). Chest X-rays were obtained in 65 children. Abnormal radiographs were seen in 45 (69.2%) children with right basal infiltrates being the commonest picture (21.4%). Ingestion of more than one ounce of kerosene oil adversely affected the clinical and radiological profile. Severely malnourished children had extensive radiological changes and poorer clinical outcome. One case developed myocarditis, a complication which has not been reported to the best of our knowledge. Mortality rate was 4.3%. All deaths occurred within 48 hours of admission.